Reasons Why Christmas in the Philippines Is Strange and More Happy
They say, there’s nothing quite like celebrating Christmas in the Philippines. From the fun parties and delicious food to the unique traditions and family reunion, the beauty and fun of Filipino Christmas is truly unbeatable.
In fact, many foreigners choose to celebrate Christmas in the Philippines because Filipino Christmas is very different and more sincere.
Things That Make Paskong Pinoy More Fun
Here are seven reasons why Christmas celebrations in the Philippines are unique and more fun:
It's only September, you can feel the holiday season
night Mass
All out Christmas carol
Giving
Houses light up because of lanterns
Delicious Christmas food
The family is complete
If you want to know more about some Filipino traditions every Christmas and experience them, read this blog.
Longer Christmas celebrations in the Philippines
As soon as September 1 falls, you can feel the holiday season. From parties to Christmas shopping, Filipinos are already preparing for that even in September! That is why the Philippines is now recognized as the longest-running Christmas celebration in the world.
Simbang Gabi
Photo credits to Ervin Malicdem
Like other Catholic countries, Filipinos are used to going to church at night. It starts every December 16 to 24. In the Philippines, church night is held twice a day: at dawn and at night. But more often, every morning, as early as 4am, Filipinos go to church.
Of course, church night would not be complete without breadcrumbs, puto bumbong and hot tea at breakfast.
All out Christmas Carol
If in other countries A cappella is practiced, alas here in the Philippines, the practitioners use improvised musical instruments. So when there is no purchase of utensils, those who play musical instruments from squeezed bottles, pans, or basins do their own thing.
What makes caroling more fun in the Philippines is that as early as November, they go from house to house. Sometimes just a song, but there are others whose production number is all out with matching bluetooth speakers for their background music!
. Giving
Christmas is a time of giving and proof of that is the tradition that Filipinos have become accustomed to. Every Christmas, friends and relatives give gifts and money. But it is also customary in the Philippines to celebrate Christmas with even strangers. Some give away free food, candy, gifts, and money. Filipinos are naturally generous so even if you are not your godfather or godmother, they are ready to give you a gift.
Houses light up because of lanterns
Every holiday, not only the stars shine but also the houses because of the colorful and huge lanterns. In the Philippines, lanterns or Christmas lights are not lost on a house as a decoration because it is one of the symbols of Christmas in the Philippines.
Delicious Christmas food
There is nothing like Christmas food in the Philippines. Every noche buena, the tables of the Filipinos they share are filled with delicious food along with delicious bets and stories. From sweet puto bumbong and fruit salad to delicious ham and bibingka, you will be able to get round 2 on the table because of the taste of them!
The family is complete
One of the reasons why Christmas is more meaningful and happy in the Philippines is because it is the time when the whole family is complete, especially those who have relatives working abroad. OFWs return to the Philippines while others working in the city return to their province to be with their loved ones on Christmas day.
It is truly a joy to celebrate Christmas in the Philippines not only because of the happy traditions and gifts received. We must remember that Christmas is not just about material things but it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus.
